The first blast of winter will descend on Jackson Parish on Saturday with freezing rain/sleet and possible snow expected to indundate the area by mid morning and continue through Sunday evening.

To be aware of what is being done by Jackson Parish authorities and organizations the Jackson Parish Journal is issuing a Winter Storm Warning special edition. 

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

SUBMITTED BY JACKSON PARISH POLICE JURY

WHEREAS, the Parish of Jackson is threatened with bitterly and dangerously cold temperatures across the parish over the next week, along with the probability of significant weather precipitation at times during the same period. Jackson Parish has increased the urgency to prepare for this emergency.

WHEREAS, due to the threat of severe weather as a result of those wintry storms to the Parish of Jackson, immediate emergency action may be required to minimize damaging effects to the public and private property of the citizens of the Parish of Jackson; and

WHEREAS, declaring a state of emergency will facilitate emergency action for the protection of the citizens and property within Jackson Parish and may expedite the use of parish resources and may require a request(s) for deployment of State resources to provide the necessary assistance to Jackson Parish in response and recovery efforts.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Todd Culpepper, President of the Jackson Parish Police Jury, by authority vested in me by the Louisiana Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La. R.S.29:721, do hereby proclaim a State of Emergency to exist in the Parish of Jackson, and all Emergency Preparedness plans be activated. It is further announced that Bentley Williams, Director of Emergency Preparedness, is hereby designated as the point of contact for all activities related to this emergency.

THIS PROCLAMATION ISSUED 23rd day of January, 2026, at Jonesboro, Louisiana, and effective at the time of issuance.

 

Charles Garrett Community Center to act as Warming Shelter

Per the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO), the Charles Garrett Community Center will open at 18:00 hours (6:00 pm) on January 23, 2026, as a warming shelter and will remain open throughout the duration of the winter storm.

The community center will be monitored on-site by Deputies from the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jonesboro Police Department will provide transportation to the warming shelter as needed.

Please call (318) 259-9021 unless it is an emergency.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office will assist medical personnel and elderly care personnel to their place of employment as needed.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office will also have additional communication and patrol staff available to facilitate the needs of our parish.

Please know that weather conditions may lead to a slower-than-normal response time.

The JPSO Senior Citizens staff will be calling to check on the elderly throughout the winter weather event. You are asked to make the JPSO aware if you know someone who needs an in-person visit.

Also, if you must be on the roads, you are asked to exercise the utmost caution due to icy conditions and limit unnecessary travel.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Submitted by William “Billy” Carter, Superintendent of the Jackson Parish School District

There will be no Saturday School on January 24th. Also, member schools of the Jackson Parish School District will be closed on Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27. At this time, the plan is for schools to reopen on Wednesday, January 28. The Truancy Parent Meeting that was scheduled for Monday, January 26 for Quitman and Weston High Schools has also been cancelled. The Jackson Parish School District will update you with any additional closures or openings as decisions are made. 

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The Water Boil Advisory that has been in place since Monday, January 19th, for the Town of Jonesboro water system consumers east of Leon Drive in Jonesboro has been rescinded, and the drinking water is safe for consumption. 

At 2:10 pm on Friday, January 23rd, Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris issued the following statement.

The boil advisory that had been put in place has been lifted after we received notice from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) – Office of Public Health (OPH) that water samples collected sumbitted for testing were proven to be safe. We thank our residents for their patience and understanding of our efforts to ensure the safety of the drinking water supply. 

The boil advisory had been put in place after a six-inch water main on Holley Drive in Jonesboro had ruptured on Monday, January 19th. The Town of Jonesboro Water Department quickly repaired the breakage, but as a precaution, samples were immediately sent to LDH-OPH to determine if there was a problem with possible problem in microbiological quality.

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The National Weather Service in Shreveport, LA has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Jackson Parish, from Friday, January 23rd thru Sunday, January 25th. According to the notice, possible heavy accumulations of mixed wintry precipitation are expected across east Texas, north Louisiana, and south Arkansas.

Residents should be on alert for power outages and tree damage due to the ice, and travel could be limited to near impossible in certain areas. Hazardous conditions could impact all commutes into Monday after precipitation has ended due to refreezing ice on roadways.

Persons should consider delaying all travel during this time period. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. Also, take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that
would help you survive in case you become stranded.

BE PREPARED

Suggestions to stay safe during winter weather include:
(1) Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
(2) Keep pipes from freezing by allowing indoor faucets to drip and wrapping exterior pipes and faucets.
(3) Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
(4) Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
(5) Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication.
(6) Remember the needs of your pets.
(7) Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
(8) If you own a generator, make sure it is in working order.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists that, as of Monday, January 19th, the LA 34 Bridge over Dry Creek, south of Chatham in Jackson Parish, has been opened again for through traffic.

On January 12th, the bridge was closed for necessary repairs, resulting in traffic being forced to utilize an alternate route that was designated during the duration of the closure. 

The DOTD reminds motorists to call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for information regarding road closures in the state of Louisiana. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.

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There was a time in the past when how a team performed during the “second season,” otherwise known as when district play begins, determined whether or not a school would qualify for the LHSAA postseason. In this era of power ratings, district standings don’t carry as much weight as they used to, but winning the district is still something that every team strives to do. 

Jonesboro-Hodge and Weston begin the “second season over the next couple of days, as JHHS will travel to Lincoln Prep for a District 1-1A contest on Friday, while Quitman, who has already opened district 1B play with a victory over Doyline this past weekend, hosts Weston for round one of their 2026 District 1B battles this Thursday evening. Tip-off of both matchups is set for 6:00 pm for the girls’ games, followed by the boys’ competition.

JHHS vs Lincoln Prep: Both games are a battle of “have’s” vs have-nots”. In girls action it is JHHS that looks to have the upper hand as they enter the District 1-1A opener with a 10-13 record after having beaten Union Parish 50-43 on Tuesday, giving the Lady Tigers, who have won 6 of their last 9 games, victories over their fourth team with a winning record and third since the calendar flipped to 2026. It is a different story entirely on the boys’ side as JHHS enters with a 3-19 record and a #35 power ranking in Division IV, while Lincoln Prep is the #1 rated Division IV team among “select” schools with a stellar 17-3 record. 

Quitman vs Weston: When the season schedule first comes out, there are two games that are always circled by the two Jackson Parish rivals, and that is the two District 1B games that will be played against each other. The battles are always ones that “you throw the records out” due to the tenacious rivalry between the two schools separated by less than 10 miles as the crow flies. This year, the Quitman boys seem to be in the best position based on their current 13-game winning streak that has led to a tremendous 17-4 record and #4 ranking in Class B. While Weston comes in with only a 9-13 record, the Wolves are showing promise, having won five of their last nine games. In the contest between coaches Kyle Leach of Quitman and Matt Herring of Weston, the longest tenured coach in the parish and the newest coach to the area, the game between the two local girls’ teams looks to be a toss-up. Both schools are enjoying winning seasons, with Quitman sporting a 15-7 overall record and Weston sitting at 13-9, and both are relatively close in the Class B ranking as #9 and #13, respectively. 

Tuesday Tilts

Quitman Dominates Forest on “Senior Night”

Quitman High School honored its 10 senior student/athletes by dominating Forest High School in girls’ and boys’ action. Both contests ended up being complete mismatches as the Lady Wolverines won by a 54-14 margin while the boys took an easy 69-22 victory to keep both Forest squads winless this season. 

Quitman 54 Forest 14 (Girls): The Lady Wolverines scored the first 25 points of the game and never looked back while holding an opponent to less than 15 points in back-to-back games for the first time in head coach Kyle Leach’s 22-year tenure at the school. While the night was dedicated to the seniors at QHS, it was also a special night for Breelyn Boon,e who obliterated her previous career high of three points by exploding for 10 points to share the team lead in scoring with Allie Robertson. Chipping in with 8 points in limited action was Anna Claire Leach, while Sophia Kleibert and Emma Walker scored six points each, and Braelyn Patton finished with four. Hallie Kate Pullig scored 3 points, as did Lily Jones, who equaled her career high set one game ago. Keeley Davis and Kinsley Ponder tallied two points apiece as well. 

Quitman 69 Forest 22 (boys): A 24-0 second-quarter advantage by the Wolverines helped open up a 41-8 halftime advantage that led to Quitman winning their 13th game in a row and saddling Forest with a 15 straight loss against zero wins. Brayden Smith, Taden Thomas, and Brayden Martin all reached “double-digits” in scoring with 17, 13, and 12 point,s respectively. Abel Leach netted 9 points, and Asher Schultz added 7, while Lucas Leach and Hayden Seymore tallied 3 points apiece. Kaleb Maxwell and Shane Reed both made a basket and Eli Jackson canned a free throw.

JHHS Girls Upend Union Parish

JHHS 50 Union Parish 43 (girls): Samone Mallard scored 16 of her game-high 20 points in the first half to lead the Lady Tigers to a 32-11 advantage as JHHS gained revenge for the 59-52 overtime loss to the Lady Farmers on December 30th. Jalenya Jackson and Nesha Johnson chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively, to help put an end to a three-game slide. Syla Malone and Sanaa Tatum tallied two points each. The victory over the 14th-ranked team in Division III jumped JHHS to #18 in the Division IV power rankings and improvement of four spots from the week before.  

Union Parish 80 JHHS 55 (boys): The Tigers gave up their second-highest point total this season in their fifth straight loss and 10th in the last 11 games. The loss overshadowed a career scoring night for Dylan Hayes who poured in a game high 24 points. Jaquan Qualls also came up big for JHHS with 18 points and Channing Gray added 11, including the only 3-pointer of the contest for the Tigers. King Campbell finished with five on the night that saw only four J-H players tally points. 

Division III Jena Jolts Weston

Jena 70 Weston 31 (girls): Playing the 4th-ranked team in Division III among “non-select” schools proved to be too big a bite to handle for the Lady Wolves, who played their 12th in 22 games against a school with a winning record. Teegan Hall hit 5 of 7 shots to lead Weston in scoring with 10 points, and Rachel Bandy scored 6 on the night, as WHS made only 12 baskets and went 0-8 from the three-point line. Kate Keiffer and Carly Jo Griffin finished with four points each, Saniyah Saulsberry scored three and Addison Faulkner made a basket. 

Jena 55 Weston 29 (boys): The rims in the Jena gym were unkind to the Wolves, who managed to make only 10 field goals in 34 attempts and went 7 for 17 from the free throw line as they equaled their lowest scoring total of the season. Brody Tidwell was the high scorer for the Wolves with 8 points, while Malachi Harris and Gunner Younse both finished with 6 points each. Abram Toms scored three points, and both Jacolby Lowe and Eli Henderson finished with two points, as did A.J. Woodard, who made his first-ever varsity basket. 

Saline boys Crush Calvin

Saline 74 Calvin 42 (boys): After making a pair of free throws in the first quarter, Gavin Dailey erupted for 25 of his game-high 27 points over the final three periods to help Saline stretch their winning streak to a season best 5 games. Eli Feguson and Elijah Calloway also came up big with 18 points apiece as the Bobcats scored their second-highest point total of the season. Jackson Bougues finished with five points, both Hayden Jackson and Conner Roberts made a basket. Braydon Robinson and Hayden Laborde also made a free throw each as Saline, ranked #4 in Class C, improved to 16-10 on the season. Calvin fell to 8-12 overall. 

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The Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ) has entered into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) in Jonesboro, which sets the framework for the two entities to join forces in the battle against Opiod abuse. This investment reinforces a shared commitment to the safety, health, and resilience of all Jackson Parish residents and visitors.

The JPASD submitted a proposal requesting financial support from the Louisiana Opioid Settlement Fund Distributions to demonstrate evidence-informed treatment, education, and harm reduction in Jackson Parish.

The purpose of the funds will be used for Treatment, Prevention, and Other Strategies as directed by the Louisiana Opioid Settlement. Education will be provided free of charge, along with the necessary tools to equip the community responder more effectively.

Included in the JPASD Emergency Response Cabinet will be:
*Fully Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
*LifeVac (Choking Rescue device for Adult and Child)
*CPR Rescue masks (for Adult and Child)
*PPE (gloves)
*Narcan (Opioid overdose reversal medication)
*CAT Tourniquet (Tourniquet for controlling significant bleeding)

 In all, 21 AED’s and other necessary emergency response equipment will be spread across the parish.

 

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In 2025, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Executive Committee agreed to add Girls’ Flag Football to the prep sports program venue in the state of Louisiana.

As a result, for the first time in school history, Jonesboro-Hodge High School will field a Girls’ Flag Football team. The inaugural season is slated to begin in March of this year against teams from Homer, Booker T. Washington, Green Oaks, Woodlawn, and Union Parish High Schools. 

The coaching staff of the Lady Tigers will be headed up by Kris Cash, with Shan Jackson as an assistant. Expected players are: Vanessa Clifton, Jalenya Jackson, Jayda Anderson, Aspen Atkins, Rumyla Bester, Oddyssey Brooks, Brooklynn Thompson, Destiny Banks, Brookelyn Burks, Zamayah Lewis, Tori Williams, Janiya Brown, Mionna Rushing, and Makenley Ray.

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Sadie Brown of Quitman, LA, has been crowned Miss Minden 2026. The beauty queen won the title on Sunday, January 18th, during the 73rd annual Miss Minden pageant held at Minden High School. 

The daughter of Michelle Barr Brown of Quitman also earned other top honors in the Miss Division, including being named Miss Congeniality, winning the talent competition, and receiving the Hannah McFarland Award, given to the contestant who had the highest score in the evening gown competition.

The title marks the fourth year in a row that Brown, who was a contestant in the Miss Louisiana pageant the past three years, has won a beauty pageant in north Louisiana, after being named Miss Twin Cities in 2025, Miss Heart of Pilot in 2024, and Miss Heart of Dixie in 2023.

 

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The inaugural Weston High School Baseball/Softball Banquet will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, January 23rd, at the Jackson Parish Golf Course Country Club. The event was moved up one day due to an expected winter weather storm forecasted for Saturday. 

Included for the $22.00 entry fee is a pastalaya meal and entry for drawing for several door prizes, as well as the opportunity to take part in a silent raffle drawing and a live auction. 

Items to be raffled away range from restaurant gift certificates, a photo session, a cooler, a portable power station, a gift card bouquet, a buddy heater and propane, a water resistant wifi speaker, to tickets for Louisiana Tech baseball and Monroe Moccasins’ hockey games, and a pair of season combo passes for the WHS baseball and softball season. 

Raffle Ticket prices are:
2 for $10.00
5 for $20.00
10 for $40.00
20 for $50.00
40 for $100.00

For tickets, click here or complete the online form at: https://tinyurl.com/whsauctiontickets

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The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office has provided the following information for public awareness regarding past-due property taxes through 2025.

Certified notices will be mailed in February 2026. Advertisements of past-due taxes will be published on April 1, 2026, and on May 6, 2026, in the Jackson Parish Journal and the Ruston Daily Leader. The tax sale is scheduled for May 13, 2026.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Tax Department at (318) 259-6017. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

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(BATON ROUGE) – Ten LSU student-athletes earned preseason recognition from Softball America, with six Tigers named to the Top 100 Players list and four selected to the Freshman Watch List, which included 2025 Quitman High School graduate, Cali Deal.

Softball America’s Freshman Watch List highlights first-year players expected to make an immediate on-field impact. Of the 46 freshmen named league-wide, LSU is tied for second-most in the SEC with Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas, while Tennessee leads with five selections.

The daughter of Syble and Brian Deal from Quitman signed with LSU after leading Quitman to back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025, and her Bombers travel ball team to a national title during the 2023-24 season. 

Cali Deal Merchandise Available

Cali Deal merchandise is available through NIL Elite until January 25th. Show your support by purchasing items such as custom T-shirts, hats, polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, blankets, or tumblers. To view and purchase items, go to https://nilelitegear.com and go to the Player Collections section. From there, scroll down and click on Cali Deal.  

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(Paid Content)

SALARY CLARIFICATION

I am committed to ensuring that the men and women of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office have great jobs they can be proud of. The promises I make to the citizens only apply to me and will not affect the pay or benefits of our current employees. By cutting waste, improving efficiency, and being responsible with taxpayer dollars, we can provide a competitive pay and benefit structure. When our deputies and staff are taken care of, and resources are used wisely, the citizens of Jackson Parish receive the professional and dedicated service they deserve.

Jesse Magee
Candidate for Sheriff of Jackson Parish

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In honor of 2018 Jonesboro-Hodge High School (JHHS) graduate and former Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Coach, Tay’Vionne Tate, who tragically lost his life in 2025 as a result of an automobile accident, the “Coach Tate” Memorial Scholarship has been established. The award, which will be a minimum amount of $500.00 that can expand with community support, will benefit graduating seniors of JHHS. 

Donations and sponsorships to fund the scholarship are now being accepted. To show your support, you are asked to complete the form shown below. Forms are also available at the main office at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, located at  225 Pershing Hwy. in Jonesboro, or by messaging Tamara Tate on her Facebook page.

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The month of January is National School Board Member Recognition Month. As a result, the Jackson Parish School District is recognizing the board members who have worked diligently to provide local students with the best education experience possible. Their leadership and countless hours of service help ensure strong schools and bright futures for every child we serve.

Being recognized in this edition of the Jackson Parish Journal is Calvin Waggoner, who has remarkably represented District 1 on the Jackson Parish School Board for the past 27 years.

Through decades of change in public education, Mr. Waggoner has provided steady guidance, institutional knowledge, and a focus on what matters most—doing what’s best for students. His service has helped shape the direction of our district for generations.

The Jackson Parish School District is grateful for his commitment, vision, and continued service to public education as well as her unwavering dedication to our schools!

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Weston High School scored multiple runs in each of the first five innings to blast Stanley 15-6 on Monday, in their first pre-season baseball scrimmage played at the Jackson Parish Recreation Department Sports Complex.

While it was the first competitive action of the year, the Wolves’ offense looked to be in mid-season form as they belted out 9 hits and showed a keen eye at the plate to coax 14 free passes off of seven Stanley pitchers, 10 by walks and four by batters getting hit with a pitch.

After Liam Weaver struck out two and held Stanley scoreless in the top of the first inning, Weston scored three in the bottom half as Drew Browning, Colton Blundell, and Weaver drew walks and both Ty Henderson and Eric Borders hit singles.

Stanley scored three in the top of the second to tie the game only to see the Wolves retake the lead at 5-3 when Kolt Keiffer sandwiched a double around singles by Dawson Griffin and David Gandy.

Browning mowed down three Stanley batters in his only inning on the mound, leading to Blundell singling, Weaver drawing a second walk, and Borders getting his second hit. Beaux Oliver then reached on the first of five Stanley errors that upped the lead to 8-3 in the bottom of the third inning. 

The lead ballooned to 13-3 after four inningsafter Jace Borders made short work of the Stanley offense in the top half of the frame and Weston scored five on the strength of Remy Kennard, Griffin, and Gandy reaching on errors, Jace Borders drawing a walk and Browning, who has committed to South Arkansas College, blasting a three run shot over the right field fence. 

Stanley narrowed the gap to 13-6 in the top of the seventh inning setting the stage for Eli Henderson to get two RBI’s with a single after Colt Guyotte and Corbin Powell drew walks and Carter Powell got hit by a pitch for the final margin

Weston will next be in action on January 31st when they travel to Ouachita Parish High School for a final pre-season tuneup before playing the season-opening jamboree at D’Arbonne Woods in Farmerville on February 6th. The Wolves will open the LHSAA 2026 regular season by playing Brusly on February 9th at the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM).

 

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Taylor Witherspoon, a Class of 2014, Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate, made her debut in an opera performance on January 16-18 at the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans. The Verisom Opera that was titled “Maid of Orleans – Tchaikovsky’s Joan of Arc, Resurrected” featured Taylor singing in Russian. 

After graduating from JHHS, the daughter of Katie Witherspoon gained her degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) in 2019 before completing requirements for a Master’s of Music Degree, specializing in Vocal Performance / Opera at Loyola University in New Orleans, LA in 2022.

In March of 2023, Witherspoon became a vocalist for Opera Festa Singers, with whom she has made many performances in the New Orleans area. while also working for the National World War II Museum. In February of 2025, she also began performing as a vocalist at St. Rita Catholic Church.

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Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School Gym

9:00 am – Warriors vs. Bulls (5-6 b/g division)
9:45 am – Tigers vs. MLC (5-6 b/g division)
10:30 am – Lakers vs. Mustangs (7-9 girls division)
11:15 am – Sparks vs. Dolphins (7-9 girls division)
12:00 pm – Magic vs Nets (7-8 boys division)
12:45 pm – Lakers vs. Pelicans ( 7-8 boys division)

JHHS High School Girls Gym

9:00 am – Bulls vs. Magic (9-10 boys division)
9:45 am – Thunder vs. Pelicans (9-10 boys division)

JHHS High School Boys Gym

9:00 am – Pelicans vs. Lakers (13-14 boys division)
9:45 am – Tar Heels vs. Spurs (13-14 boys division)
10:30 am – Lakers vs. Pelicans (11-12 boys division)
11:15 am – Warriors vs. Bucks (11-12 boys division)
12:00 pm – Fever vs. Wings (11-13 girls division)
12:45 pm – Sparks vs. Bobcats (11-13 girls division)

Youth Basketball League Standings

Age 13-14 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Spurs	4	0
Tarheels	3	2
Lakers	1	3
Pelicans	1	4

Age 11-13 Girls Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Fever	5	0
Wings	3	2
Bobcats	2	3
Sparks	0	5

Age 11-12 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Warriors	4	1
Lakers	3	2
Pelicans	3	2
Bucks	0	5

Age 9-10 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Thunder	4	1
Bulls	4	1
Magic	2	3
Pelicans	0	5

Age 7-10 Girls Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Dolphins	4	0
Mustangs	2	2
Lakers	1	3
Sparks	1	3

Age 7-8 Boys Division

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES
Pelicans	3	0
Lakers	3	1
Nets	1	3
Magic	0	3

Age 5-6 Division (Boys & Girls)

TEAM	WINS	LOSSES	TIES
Bulls	3	0	1
Tigers	3	0	1
MLC	1	3	0
Warriors	0	4	0

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Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death, studying fine arts.

He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time, he took whatever manual labor job he could get.

For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other, they bickered, as most siblings do, but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive.

He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting.

When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.”

In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.

Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist.

Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely.

For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.

 

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Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.

The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.

Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.

Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.

In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.

The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.

Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.

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Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mousetrap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are always looking to make improvements and advancements with regard to their technology.

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s a great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan, and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!

Steve Graf

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This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Robert Harmon (Chatham, LA) – Battery of a Dating Partner
Robert S. Banks (Chatham, LA) – DWI Second Offense, Careless Operation
April Brooks (Jonesboro, LA) – Misdeameanor Theft, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana
James Hill Jr. (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule III with Intent to Distribute
Jaleel E. Lewis (Jonesboro, LA) – Execution of Sentence
Latherrio D. Gray (Jonesboro, LA) -Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Ju’Korian Andrews (Jonesboro, LA) – 1st Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy
Russell Tucker (Jonesboro, LA) – Warrant on Theft Charge
Zachary Boone (Jonesboro, LA) – Theft of more than $1,000.00, Identity Theft
Dolester Magee (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II, Taking Contraband to/from a Penal Institution
Brandon M. Werner (Springfield, MO) – 1st Degree Rape, Child Sexual Abuse Materials under the age of 13, Involving a juvenile offender over the age of 17
Jimmie D. Amos (Jonesboro, LA) – 1st Degree Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, Distribution of Methamphetamine
John R. Burgess (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule II CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Monterio Amos (Jonesboro, LA) – Outside Agency Warrant on Failure to Appear on Resisting an Officer Charge
Raymond Caldwell (Choudrant, LA) – Burn Ban Violation

To have your Business Services, Job Opportunities, Items for sale, Wanted to Buy, and Public / Legal Notices published – send an email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com  or call 318-480-1206. Possible costs are dependent on the content.

SHERIFF’S SALE

Parish of Jackson
State of Louisiana

GUARANTY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF DELHI
vs 37958
ADMC PROPERTIES, LLC

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 21st day of JANUARY 2026. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property, to wit:

LOT ONE (1) OF BLOCK “B” OF THE J.D. JEFFRESS ADDITION NO. TWO (2) TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO AS PER PLAT OF RECORD IN THE RECORDER’S OFFICE OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING.

Seized as the property of the above-named defendant and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs, sale to be made for cash, WITH the benefit of appraisal.

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

SHERIFF’S SALE

Parish of Jackson
State Of Louisiana

GUARANTY BANK & TRUST COMPANY OF DELHI
vs 37878
AM PROPERTIES & INVESTMENTS, LLC

By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable Second Judicial District Court, Parish of Jackson, State of Louisiana, and to me directed, I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale for cash at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 21ST day of JANUARY, 2026. Between the hours governing judicial sales, the following property to wit:

THOSE CERTAIN PIECES, PARCELS OF TRACTS OF LAND, TOGETHER WITH ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS SITUATED THEREUPON, ALL APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND COMPONENT PARTS SITUATED AND LOCATED IN THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA, BEARING THE MUNICIPAL ADDRESS OF: 869 FIREWOOD ROAD, JONESBORO, LOUISIANA 71251, AND BEING MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

LOT 22 OF THE SOUTH HIGHLAND SUBDIVISION TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO, AS MORE FULLY SHOWN ON THAT SURVEY SHOWING SOUTH HIGHLAND SUBDIVISION, PREPARED BY U.S. ROANE, C.E., DATED OCTOBER 26, 1956, RECORDED AT CONVEYANCE BOOK 90, PAGE 428, ACQUIRED AND FILED ON JULY 29, 1970, IN COB 136, PAGE 202, RECORDS OF JACKSON PARISH, LOUISIANA.
ALSO:
BEGINNING AT THE SW CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4, SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST, AND RUNNING DUE EAST 243 FEET TO THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD RUNNING NORTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST THROUGH SAID FORTY, THENCE RUN N13 DEGREES 45' EA DISTANCE OF 350 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING THENCE RUN DUE EAST 150 FEET; THENCE RUN IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION PARALLEL WITH THE ABOVE ROAD 100 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE WEST 150 FEET OR A DISTANCE SUFFICIENT TO INTERSECT THE RIGHT OF WAY OF THE ABOVE ROAD; THENCE RUN IN A SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION ALONG AND WITH THE RIGHT OF WAY OF SAID ROAD A DISTANCE SUFFICIENT TO
INTERSECT THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
ALSO:
LOT NUMBER SIX (6) OF BLOCK ONE (1) OF THE J.D. JEFFRESS ADDITION TO THE TOWN OF JONESBORO, LOUISIANA.

Seized as the property of the above-named defendants and will be sold to satisfy said Writ and all costs, sale to be made for cash, WITH the benefit of appraisal.

BRENT BARNETT, SHERIFF
EX-OFFICIO, AUCTIONEER

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Business Services

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Village of Chatham Regular Call Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2026

The Village of Chatham held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
The meeting was called to order, and a roll call was taken. The following were present: Mayor Gregory Harris, council members Bernadine James, Sue Proffer, and Toni Malone
Motion to approve minutes from regular meeting held on December 09, 2026, was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to pay monthly bills was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to postpone Ordinance 2026-0, rezoning, was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to Postpone Building Permit was made by Toni Malone and seconded by Sue Proffer and approved by all.
Motion to accept financial statements was made by Toni Malone, seconded by Bernadine James, and approved by all.
Motion to adjourn was made by Bernadine James and seconded by Toni Malone and approved by all.

A BOIL ADVISORY has been issued for those on the Jonesboro Water System east of Leon Drive, effective immediately. The notice was issued at 3:34 pm on Monday, January 19th, by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike Harris, after it was discovered that a six-inch water main on Holley Drive was broken, causing a possible problem in microbiological quality.

This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Water System. It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means: Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one-minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise. The Water System will rescind this Boil Advisory upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe.

Thank you, Town of Jonesboro

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